Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 3

Written Answers. - Release of Sentenced Prisoners.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

106 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if there were original guidelines in place, which included instructions to prison officials to communicate with a Garda barracks in the area in which a prisoner previously resided before releasing the prisoner; if these guidelines are still in operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

Decisions in relation to the release of sentenced prisoners are a matter for the Minister for Justice under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act, 1960.

The position is that prior to granting temporary release regard is had to a number of factors including the nature of the offence, the length of sentence, the length of time served, behaviour while in custody and, where appropriate, a Garda assessment of the likely threat which a particular release would pose to the public. There are no guidelines which require contact with the local Garda barracks in all cases.